$44 million star defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa could be on the trade block and Chargers, Ravens are possible fits. An update from Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones indicates Dallas could trade some of their players which may include Odighizuwa alongside cornerback Jourdan Lewis. The 3-5 Cowboys will be without Dak Prescott for several weeks so the team will likely embrace even though Jones expects the team to be buyers as well. However, it might make sense to look forward to the 2025 season rather than risk other returning players like Micah Parsons in the starting lineup coming back in week 10.
Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the UCLA product has established himself as one of the better premiere defensive linemen in the league. Last season, the 25-year-old proved he could be a useful gadget to eat the gaps and handle double teams to open up opportunities for his teammates, forcing 43 pressures. He never got above four sacks in a year but he’s still a reliable threat in the interior to help get after the quarterback in pressure moments. Odighizuwa might not be a superstar but as the years continue to pass by, he could become an elite disruptor in the pass rush.
Securing a young player like him could be beneficial for any roster that is looking to improve for longevity. After letting Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz walk, the Cowboys knew this team wouldn’t be the same as they were in 2023. They didn’t retain Dan Quinn despite him being vital to the success of this team’s defense but now Mike Zimmer is around, he hasn’t done much to influence the Cowboys that he’s their long-term answer.
$44 Million Star Osa Odighizuwa Could Reportedly Be On Trade Block – Chargers, Ravens Possible Fits
Wild Card Chargers
The Chargers are now 5-3 and could probably push for a wild card spot if they continue to win. Justin Herbert is performing better after making a full recovery from his injury and has many receivers like rookie Ladd McConkey who’s been a vital part of his passing game. However, Jim Harbaugh could use some more defensive linemen for the old-school mentality he was hoping to instill in the defense on his first arrival for Los Angeles. This may lead him to trade for someone like Odighizuwa who’s been above-average in helping other star edge defenders make their life easier to get after the quarterback.
Harbaugh believes games are won in the trenches but they haven’t been really showing that this year. Even though they have a winning record, they must figure out the tackling woes they’ve been going through coming off that Monday Night loss in Arizona. Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa can’t do it all themselves since Bosa has a rich history of getting hurt. Maybe Odighizuwa isn’t the long-term solution but the Chargers could bank on him to reinforce the entire defensive line and clog those spaces.
Saving the Defense
Baltimore can almost call themselves a super team on their offense after trading for Diontae Johnson. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are still their top two receivers but they want to ensure the defense is a reflection of what they’re building on offense. The Ravens are always one step off which may be why they’ve been in a championship drought for the past consecutive years and haven’t won a Super Bowl since the Joe Flacco Days. They probably need one last push and while Odighizuwa may not be the final piece, he could be an effective disruptor in the pass rush.
Odighizuwa is no game-changer but he could open up the field for linebackers like Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith to rush for the quarterback. They don’t need a capable superstar but one gives some relief for Yannick Ngakoue, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo. This is why Baltimore brought back Ngakoue, they knew the experience between Oweh and Ojabo probably wouldn’t earn them a long ride to the Super Bowl.
